You may need to find the IP address for your router when configuring a virtual private network (VPN) or troubleshooting a wireless connection. The steps to take depend on the operating system of the device you’re using. Keep reading to learn how to find your router’s IP address.
In this definition...
What is an IP address?
An IP address is an alphanumeric label assigned to all devices that connect to a network using an internet protocol (IP). One device can use another device’s unique IP address to send and receive data over the internet.
IP addresses can be public or private. Public IP addresses are accessible by anyone, whereas private IP addresses are only accessible to devices within a private network. IP addresses can also be static or dynamic. As the names suggest, static IP addresses are configured once and do not change, whereas dynamic IP addresses are temporary and are assigned each time a device connects to the network.
IPv4 vs. IPv6
IPv4 is the fourth adaptation of the internet protocol. It made it possible to connect devices over the internet so they can communicate by exchanging data packets. It was initialized in the 1980s, and developers at the time didn’t anticipate the number of devices that would need to connect to the internet using the protocol.
IPv6 is the next generation of the internet protocol that currently supplements IPv4 and is expected to replace it entirely in the future. IPv6 uses 128 bits instead of 32 bits, so there are more than 1000x as many available addresses. Plus, IPv6 is more secure, efficient, and flexible. When looking for your router’s IP address, you should find an IPv4 address and an IPv6 address listed together.
How to find your router IP address
Here are the steps to take to locate your router’s IP address depending on the operating system you use.
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Access network settings
Windows
Right click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner. Type “Control Panel” and open the Control Panel app.macOS
Launch System Preferences app from the dock. Open Network settings.iPhone/iPad
Open the Settings app. Open Wi-Fi settings. -
Access advanced network settings
Windows
Click the blue hyperlink with your network name on the right.Click the “Details” button.
macOS
Under the connection status line, you can see the name of your Wi-Fi network and its IPv4 address. For additional information, click the “Advanced” button and continue to step 3.iPhone/iPad
Tap the blue “i” icon next to the name of your Wi-Fi network. -
Locate IP addresses
Windows
Locate “IPv4 Address” under the “Property” column. The number located in the “Value” column is your router’s IP address.macOS
Click the “TCP/IP” tab. Your router’s IP address is listed under the “Configure IPV4” menu.iPhone/iPad
Scroll down to the “IPv4 Address” section. Your router’s IP address is listed last.
